Cycling District

Direct

• Promote safe sports practice: the cycling studio contributes to increase the safety of sports practice and reducing risks of road traffic accidents and adverse weather conditions, by providing the technology needed to best simulate outdoors cycling inside. And safety measures around cycling are central to the promoter in the planned community events.
• Promotion of healthy lifestyles and well-being: increased cycling habits contribute to healthier lifestyles, while participation in sport reduces the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. The studio has an approach focused on health improvement incorporated to the training plans. Also, by integrating groups activities, indoors and outdoors, the promoter wants to build a community around cycling, which contributes to overall wellness.

Indirect

• Jobs creation: with the opening of the studio, the promoter will hire three new employees until March of 2025.
• Reduced and efficient resources consumption: the studio will have equipment that enables efficient and reduced water and electricity consumption, associated to an insulated and thermal-efficient building.
• Contribution for more equal access to sports: Cycling district contributes to improve access to the sports practice by offering smart bikes that allow athletes of different levels to have both individual and group experiences, adapted to their performance and goals. Also, the studio promotes awareness around gender in sports, mainly cycling, in a YouTube channel where they highlight stories of athletes from diverse backgrounds.

Cycling District aims to bring more people into the sport by creating a vibrant, inclusive space where anyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes, can explore the thrill of cycling. The studio aims to provide a controlled, immersive environment with top-of-the-line equipment, expert coaching, and a personalized approach, breaking down the barriers to entry. The name Cycling District and the motto “performance cycling, for all” is meant to represent a place where everyone can feel at home in their cycling journey, discovering the camaraderie, challenge, and joy of indoor cycling.

Cycling District was founded in 2024 in Porto by a group of dedicated entrepreneurs who saw a unique opportunity through the hobby of one of its founders, Diogo Oliveira. Diogo discovered indoor cycling with simulation software, and what began as a pastime soon became a passion. Over two years, he immersed himself in this world, eventually joining a competitive cycling team and winning a couple of stages of a virtual Tour de France. The journey wouldn’t have been possible without José, who first introduced Diogo to this concept. José later became the Cycling District’s first team member and is currently managing the Porto studio. 

Together, they envisioned a space where virtual friends could connect in real life and experience the excitement of competing side by side. The founders also realized the importance of making cycling more accessible, as riding on busy streets or in harsh weather can be daunting, and home setups are often isolating, costly, and require technical knowledge.